A SUICIDE intervention expert is holding taster sessions for St Helens employers to help tackle the problem facing our community.

Mum-of-one Andrea Newton, from Blackbrook, decided to lend her skills to her hometown after reading the report in last week's Star highlighting that St Helens has the fourth highest suicide rate in England.

The 51-year-old, who has more than 20 years experience as a Suicide Intervention Trainer, is hoping that employers in the community will take up the offer of free sessions at FC St Helens on Windleshaw Road, Dentons Green to find out how they can help their employees.

She said: "The more local employers we can get on board with this the better because we can hopefully highlight the signs before things get to that stage.

“Suicide is one of the most preventable deaths. We are happy to offer support for a broken limb, but talk to me about your broken brain, and (often the reaction is) 'I am heading for the door'."

Andrea, who also experienced mental health issues in her own life, believes that half the problem is that people do not know how to talk about or actually want to talk about suicide and mental health, and hopes that if people are given the confidence to approach someone and have the caring conversation, then they will explore other options.

Andrea was inspired to help others after her own issues with mental health and has a UK National Qualification in Suicide Intervention as well as working as an accredited tutor with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention.

Andrea added: "It’s not about them training to be counsellors or therapists, it is about them creating an environment in their workplace where mental health is discussed and training in suicide intervention skills is offered.

"Suicide First Aid can make the difference between life or death for someone having suicidal thoughts”

The sessions are being run on Monday, July 9 and are free to any St Helens based employer.

To book a place visit abdcct.co.uk.